Development agency xDesign opens Leeds base at Platform creating 100 new jobs

Edinburgh-based product and software engineering agency xDesign has announced its new office opening at Bruntwood SciTech's Platform in Leeds.

It intends to accelerate its growth by creating 100 jobs in the region, and continue to provide UK-based teams to new and existing clients.

This will be xDesign's first base beyond its headquarters in Edinburgh. Also announced is the appointment of Matt Ward (pictured, second left) as xDesign's Head of Northern England, leading the expansion into the area.

xDesign is a software development and digital services agency with clients including Heineken, Tesco Bank, Rothschild and PayPal. It's currently looking to appoint junior and senior-level engineers, designers, and internal talent acquisition specialists.

Euan Andrews (pictured, left), MD of xDesign, said: “Opening a new office in Leeds is core to our overall growth strategy that sees xDesign opening offices and creating jobs throughout the UK, and it’s most critical for us to plan this expansion thoughtfully with a focus on how we can best support local businesses and talent.

"It’s important to us that we find people to work with and collaborate with who have regional and local insight and expertise, because we know how crucial that knowledge is to building a solid community, which is our Number One priority as we work to make meaningful contributions to the area.”

The agency says it selected Leeds as its first outpost due to the striking similarities between its tech business environment and Scotland's. “We are pleased to welcome xDesign into our thriving tech and digital community and are proud the company has chosen Leeds as its first base outside of Scotland," said Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, culture and education.

"The product and software engineering company are already looking to recruit to their new office and we are very pleased to see over 100 exciting job opportunities open up for local people to work with some of the UK’s most exciting and well-known brands in this space.”

Commenting on his appointment, Matt Ward added: “I’m thrilled to be leading this expansion. As an area resident and professional, I know how vibrant the tech community is here, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with the area’s incredible talent, firsthand. Continuing to build xDesign’s community in the North is something we’re all very much looking forward to.”

"Opening our office at Bruntwood Scitech's Platform is key to our growth ambitions and the first location outside of our Edinburgh headquarters. We chose Leeds due to the local talent and established tech community the region offers. We have already worked successfully with businesses in the area and look forward to developing new and existing relationships." Euan Andrews, Managing Director